Guangzhou Sourcing GuideThe 128th Canton Fair (Autumn 2020)
Online only · 15 – 24 October 2020 · Guangzhou, China
| Exhibitors | 26,000 |
|---|
What happened
- Second fully online edition, 15 to 24 October 2020.
- Nearly 26,000 exhibitors across 50 sections in 16 categories, roughly the same scale as the 127th.
- More than 2.4 million products were online when the fair opened.
Session overview
The 128th Canton Fair, held in autumn 2020, was conducted primarily online due to ongoing pandemic restrictions. This edition marked a significant shift in format, with the fair moving to a digital platform to connect Chinese suppliers with international buyers. The online format allowed the fair to continue operating despite travel restrictions, but with reduced physical attendance.
For buyers, this edition is notable for its online-only format, which was a first for the Canton Fair. The digital platform enabled remote sourcing and virtual meetings, but also presented challenges for buyers who preferred in-person interactions. The 128th session represents an important experiment in digital trade fairs, with lessons that influenced subsequent editions.
Buyer context
The attendance figures reflect the fair's global reach and the level of buyer interest in sourcing from Chinese suppliers at this edition. Comparing attendance across editions helps buyers understand the trajectory of the Canton Fair and the broader trends in international sourcing.
For buyers planning to attend future editions, the attendance figures provide a benchmark for understanding the scale and competitiveness of the fair. Higher attendance generally indicates stronger buyer interest and a wider range of suppliers to choose from, while lower attendance may reflect external factors such as travel restrictions or economic conditions.
Source
Ministry of Commerce | 128th Canton Fair to be held online 15-24 October, official Canton Fair publication, checked 2026-10-23. Original headline: 商务部 | 第128届广交会将于10月15-24日在网上举办